The error highlights a fundamental tension: GPU manufacturers prioritize performance and security in new driver models, not backward compatibility with every niche API call from a decade ago. Microsoft’s DirectX, despite its "backward compatibility" promises, has seen silent breaks. The only reason Alan Wake remains playable today is the dedication of hobbyist programmers who create translation layers like DXVK. Without them, the error would be a permanent dead end.

Some modern graphics cards (especially NVIDIA RTX 30/40 series and AMD RX 6000/7000 series) have dropped or altered legacy DirectX 9 support. The solution is to force the game to use (DirectX to Vulkan translation) or the D3D9 wrapper from dgVoodoo2 .

Similar options exist under "Manage installation" or "Verify/Repair".

: Many players fix this by adding -window (or ~window ) to the Launch Options in Steam or GOG.